Key facts
- Liechtenstein's royal house is changing its rules of succession.
- The principality will move from male primogeniture to absolute primogeniture.
- The first-born child, regardless of sex, will become heir to the throne.
- The change was approved by a two-thirds majority of voting family members.
- The new rules apply only to future descendants of Hereditary Prince Alois and Hereditary Princess Sophie.
Liechtenstein, a wealthy principality bordering Switzerland and Austria with a population of 40,000, is set to alter its centuries-old rules of succession to allow women to inherit the throne. Hereditary Prince Alois announced the change, which shifts the system from male primogeniture to absolute primogeniture, meaning the eldest child, irrespective of gender, will become the heir.
The decision received approval from the necessary two-thirds majority of voting family members. Prince Alois stated that this adjustment aligns with the principle of combining continuity and renewal within the princely house, a strategy that has served Liechtenstein well historically. The updated rules will specifically apply to future descendants born to Alois and his wife, Hereditary Princess Sophie, and will not affect the current line of succession.
Prince Hans-Adam II remains the head of state, though he delegated most of his powers to his eldest son, Alois, in 2004, a tradition reflecting the passing of responsibilities to the heir. Alois has four children, including 31-year-old Prince Joseph Wenzel, the eldest, and 29-year-old Princess Marie Caroline.
The principality, known for its unusually powerful monarchy in Europe, has a traditionally conservative stance. It was the last European country to grant women the right to vote in national elections in 1984, following a male-voter-approved referendum. More recently, Brigitte Haas became the principality's first female prime minister.